The proper atmosphere and materials can make the difference in whether you turn in ok homework and test scores or great ones. These tips are sure to provide you with what you need to do your very best. It doesn't matter whether you do your studying in your bedroom, in the kitchen or in any other room as long as the atmosphere is right.Choose a place where you will be free from interruptions. Take the phone off the hook or tell everyone "no calls!" If you need to have music playing choose something that will not distract you. Let averyone know that you will be studying and don't wish to be disturbed. Make sure that you have proper lighting. If the lights are not bright enough you will soon get tired eyes and will want to stop. Choose a work area with plenty of room for your books, paper and other supplies. Have plenty of sharpened pencils and black or blue pens on hand. Don't use colored pens-teachers hate this! A well-stocked reference library is very helpful. If you have a computer, the internet is a treasure-chest of resources. Resist going into a chat room when you are supposed to be studying! If you don't have a computer a set of encyclopedias and a dictionary are a must. If you like to snack while you study prepare your food before you start so you won't have to stop to do it. And don't snack on anything messy! Finally, if you feel yourself starting to zone out, take a 10 minute break to stretch your muscles and your mind. You can't study effectively if your body and brain are cramped! Concentration-some rules of thumb The Study Skills Homepage Study Skill Guides Study Skills Webcrawler - an internet search engine Yahoo! - another internet search engine 50States.com - Fast Facts and Trivia This page last updated on February 18, 2001 PetiteChoux@webtv.net